abnormalities as was the case with the humans.
Thus, conclusions about human health effects relied
on objective quantitative information, but conclu
sions about the health of aquatic life were based on
subjective qualitative information. Better conclu
sions possibly could result from examining tissue
samples of these organisms.
DAVID RIVARD-LENTZ
Jamesville,New York
Ozarks Harmony
Having spent the first 17 years of my life in the
Ozarks, I was intrigued by Lisa Moore LaRoe's
article. However, I do not completely agree with the
caption on pages 80-81, mentioning "Arkansas's
poorest counties." Poor is a relative word. Being only
a short and beautiful drive from any modern con
venience but still smack-dab in the middle of some
of the best preserved nature on Earth is far from
being poor. Even if one can't afford those conve
niences, just living in the Ozarks makes one richer.
Just don't tell too many. I want to go back someday.
MIKE PALMER
Mendoza, Argentina
The Buffalo National River was indeed the first
river park under the 1970 Wild and Scenic Rivers
Act, but by then Ozark National Scenic Riverways,
protecting the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, had
been a National Park Service unit for half a decade.
BILL O'DONNELL
Eminence, Missouri
Contrary to the caption on page 77, hounds bay and
donkeys bray.
H. H . HILDERBRAND
Boege, France
People complain about the government taking over
land, but if it had not, there would be no end to the
development. On the other hand, just because the
government owns land doesn't mean we can assume
that it is not threatened. According to Missouri Con
servationist magazine, the Doe Run Company has
lost its first attempt to explore for lead in one of
the most beautiful regions of our country [Mark
Twain National Forest], but I guarantee they'll ask
again and again. Those of us who oppose it must
not fall asleep.
NANCY WOODFILL
Kansas City, Missouri
Vanishing Prairie Dog
The vivid and violent description of the shooting of
a prairie dog by a varmint hunter in the opening
paragraph sets an emotional tone that would pre
dispose many readers against the control of these
animals by this or other methods. It does not help to
depict the hunters as gleeful killers. Your articles
often cover controversial issues, and your tradition
for balance is well established, but in this case you
let the author tip the scales at the outset.
BROOKS ARTHUR PANGBURN
Duarte,California